Why is My Car Overheating?

You’re driving in Las Vegas when you notice something strange: steam and a burnt smell coming from your car hood as the temperature gauge light flashes a warning on your Acura dash. You’re most likely dealing with an overheating engine. First, find someplace safe to pull over. In the guide below from Findlay Acura, we’ll look at the likely reasons a car would overheat, and what to do if your car overheats while you’re on the road in North Las Vegas.

What To Do When a Car Overheats

Check the temperature gauge on your dashboard every time you get behind the wheel. If it reads far above the normal range of 195 to 200 degrees, don’t drive the car. Instead, contact a Acura service center near North Las Vegas, and arrange for them to tow your car in for service. When it comes to what causes a car to overheat, there are dozens of possible reasons. Certified Acura technicians can tell you what’s wrong with your car and recommend service to fix it.

What To Do When a Car Overheats While You’re Driving

A car that overheats while you’re on the road is more difficult to deal with. If the engine temperature gauge reads normal when you start the car, then you’ll need to know what to do when a car overheats:

1. Shut off the A/C and turn on the heat to pull heat away from the engine.
2. Find a safe place to pull over.
3. Don’t touch your car hood for at least 30 minutes, as the metal may be very hot.
4. The engine temperature may return to normal after a cool-down if the problem is still fairly small. In that case, you should be able to drive your car to the nearest Mesquite service center. Otherwise, have your car towed in for service.

Six Reasons a Car Would Overheat

What does it mean when your car overheats? An overheating engine tells you that your car needs attention ASAP. Read below for the most common reasons a car would overheat:

• Cooling system leak — A leak in your car’s radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, or thermostat housing may cause overheating. One key warning sign of a leaky radiator is that your car leaks water. Learn how to check coolant with us!
• Improper coolant-to-water ratio — The proper ratio of coolant to water is 50-50, but the wrong amounts may prompt overheating.
• Wrong coolant — There are three main coolant types: Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT). Check your owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the proper coolant for your car.
• Coolant hose blockage — Dirt or debris in the coolant hose may block coolant from doing its job.
• Broken water pump — A leaky water pump or shifted pump shaft can’t effectively move engine coolant.

Rely on Findlay Acura for Expert Auto Service in Henderson

At Findlay Acura, our expert technicians are specially trained to care for your Acura model. Now that you know what causes a car to overheat, why not explore more DIY maintenance skills like changing brake lights and checking transmission fluid? We’re here to help you keep your car running its best. Get in touch today!